Common Myths About Suicide
Myth: Asking someone about suicide will put the idea into their head.
Truth: Asking someone about suicide actually decreases their risk of suicide. Opening up the conversation allows the person to express their feelings and explore alternative solutions to their problems. It also significantly increases the chance that the person will seek professional help and resources.
Myth: People who talk about suicide will never attempt or complete suicide.
Truth: Talking about suicide can often be a way to ask for help. If someone is talking about suicide, you should assume that their statements are serious.
Myth: People who say that they are going to attempt suicide are just seeking attention.
Truth: All attempts or discussion of suicide should be taken seriously. It is likely that the person has tried to gain attention and, therefore, attention is needed.
Myth: Once a person is intent on suicide, there is no way of stopping them.
Truth: Suicide is preventable. With supportive relationships, life skills, and effective behavioral health care, suicide can be prevented. Suicidal crises can be relatively short-lived. Suicide is a permanent solution to what is a temporary problem.
Myth: Once a person is intent on suicide, there is no way of stopping them.
Truth: Suicide is preventable. With supportive relationships, life skills, and effective behavioral health care, suicide can be prevented. Suicidal crises can be relatively short-lived. Suicide is a permanent soluation to what is a temporary problem.
Common Questions About Suicide
Q: Who is most a risk for suicide?
A: The group with the highest rate of suicide in the United States is men and women between the ages of 45-64.
Q: Can children and teens struggle with suicide?
A: Yes. Children and teens experience the full range of human emotions just like adults do - including deep feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness. They also experience life-changing events and mental illnesses just like adults do, which can often lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. Suicide does not discriminate in age, race, or gender identity.
Q: Why do people attempt suicide?
A: While there could be a great many reasons that someone might be contemplating suicide, the most likely reason is that they are dealing with a significant amount of emotional pain and suffering. Someone experiencing this severity of pain often feels isolated and unable to express what they are going through, which can lead to thoughts of suicide or a suicide attempt.
Q: I'm concerned that someone I love might be considering suicide, what should I do?
A: Have a conversation with them as soon as possible to discuss your concerns and the signs you have noticed. If you don't feel comfortable initiating the conversation, ask a family member, friend, or mental health professional to assist you. For tips on how to have the conversation, click here.
Q: Can someone who has attempted suicide or is struggling with suicidal thoughts recover?
A: Absolutely! With proper intervention, treatment, and support, many people who have previously attempted suicide or struggled with thoughts of suicide go on to lead happy and full lives.
A: The group with the highest rate of suicide in the United States is men and women between the ages of 45-64.
Q: Can children and teens struggle with suicide?
A: Yes. Children and teens experience the full range of human emotions just like adults do - including deep feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness. They also experience life-changing events and mental illnesses just like adults do, which can often lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. Suicide does not discriminate in age, race, or gender identity.
Q: Why do people attempt suicide?
A: While there could be a great many reasons that someone might be contemplating suicide, the most likely reason is that they are dealing with a significant amount of emotional pain and suffering. Someone experiencing this severity of pain often feels isolated and unable to express what they are going through, which can lead to thoughts of suicide or a suicide attempt.
Q: I'm concerned that someone I love might be considering suicide, what should I do?
A: Have a conversation with them as soon as possible to discuss your concerns and the signs you have noticed. If you don't feel comfortable initiating the conversation, ask a family member, friend, or mental health professional to assist you. For tips on how to have the conversation, click here.
Q: Can someone who has attempted suicide or is struggling with suicidal thoughts recover?
A: Absolutely! With proper intervention, treatment, and support, many people who have previously attempted suicide or struggled with thoughts of suicide go on to lead happy and full lives.
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